Date:15/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/15/stories/2008101556940200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi

38 medals for Tiruchi skaters

G. Prasad

600 skaters participate in tournament conducted in Madurai

Photo: M. Moorthy

BIG ACHIEVEMENT: Members of the Tiruchi district roller skating team, who finished overall runners-up in the State-level Anna Birth Centenary roller skating tournament. —

TIRUCHI: Limited facilities for roller skating in Tiruchi have not deterred young skaters of the district from performing well at the Anna birth centenary State-level roller skating tournament at Madurai recently.

They finished overall runners up in the tourney that saw participation of over 600 skaters from 16 districts.

The events were conducted in two categories – adjustable wheels and speed wheels.

The Tiruchi team bagged 38 medals at the meet – 13 golds, 16 silver and nine bronze.

This apart, S. Bharadwaj in the boys’ above 16 age category and R. Lakshmy in the girls’ 10-12 age section were adjudged individual champions.

Lakshmy had won silver in the Indian classical dance on roller skates at the 45th Roller Skating National Championship earlier this year.

“The performance of Tiruchi skaters at the Madurai tournament is commendable. It is a reward for their determination and sustained hard work.

The youngsters have it in them to do well at higher levels.

Better infrastructure in the city would be of great help to them,” said Tiruchi District Roller Skating Sports Association (TDRSSA) coach M. Manohar, adding that more youngsters in the district are evincing interest in the sport.

TDRSSA president B. Amirthakasi, vice presidents K.M. Rama Krishnan and K. Ganapathy Sundar, joint secretary D. Kanagaraj, treasurer K. Kamaraj and co-ordinator S. Ravindran commended the young skaters.